The Prime Minister of France states the tenure of France hangs in the balance during the September 8 vote of confidence

In a bid to resolve a budget standoff, French Prime Minister François Bayrou has called for a confidence vote on September 8. However, recent polls suggest that the vote may result in Bayrou losing the confidence of the parliament.

Seven out of 10 French people support Bayrou losing the confidence vote, according to a recent poll. This comes as the budget proposed by Bayrou's government faces opposition from various parties, including the Socialists. The Socialist Party's leader, Olivier Faure, has stated that the party's decision to vote against Bayrou's government is final.

The far-right National Rally (RN), sensing a real chance to come to power, has stated that they would fight to obtain an absolute majority in parliament's lower house if new parliamentary elections were called. The rise in support for the RN has caused concern, with Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin expressing his concern that the legacy of the Fifth Republic's founding father, Charles De Gaulle, is at risk.

Bayrou has dismissed the budget proposals of the Socialist Party, stating that they would not curb spending but rather increase it. In response, Bayrou has indicated that he is not ready to resign, stating that he will continue to fight for his policies. After the vote, Bayrou hopes to hold negotiations with the opposition parties to discuss measures to reduce France's debt.

The political divide in France has been evident since President Macron gambled on snap elections last summer following far-right gains in European elections. Voters elected a parliament fractured between three rival blocs, and Macron later acknowledged that his move backfired.

President Macron has tried to negotiate with opposition parties including the Socialists (PS) and the Greens (EELV) over the budget dispute, but the negotiations have been difficult and marked by strong disagreements. Macron has urged politicians to find a way to work together, pointing to Germany as an example.

However, members of the opposition have stated that it is too late for such negotiations. Bayrou has accused some political forces in France, particularly Jean-Luc Melenchon, of wanting to sow chaos. Trade unions have urged French people to stage protests on September 18 over the "horror show" draft budget.

Bayrou's plan, which includes reducing the number of holidays and placing a freeze on spending increases, has proved unpopular. The French parliament reflects the political divisions among the public, according to Macron. As France faces a political impasse, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the coming days.

The Prime Minister of France states the tenure of France hangs in the balance during the September 8 vote of confidence